#MicroblogMonday: Here's to a new week

Two weeks ago, I had just about the best week ever. (God is Great). So awesome, that I knew it would be hard to continue to chase the high that it gave me. But I still didn't expect the week that followed be such an extreme opposite of a horrible week.

I think I'll just stick to this being a #MicroblogMonday. I'm worried about a few friends, I'm behind on my homework and Josh's hurt his back and wasn't able to work most of the week. (We're still not quite sure how he hurt it; we think it was a combination of several different things over the last 6 months.) Oh, and I can't remember the last time I deep cleaned my house.

Most of those problems are still with me this week. But I vow to make this a better week. I'm counting my blessings to remind myself that they outweigh my problems.

1- I have a good job. That's why I went back to school; so I could advance further with my company someday. So when the homework starts to stress me out, I remind myself it will be worth it in the long run.

2- Through difficult circumstances, I've been able to reforge old friendships. I didn't realize how much I missed having these people in my life. I almost forgot just how much I love them. Its been like a breath of fresh air to have them back in my life.

3- Josh is slowly starting to feel better. We had to see a couple different doctors and try a few different pain meds. And he starts physical therapy this week. Hopefully he is on the mend and this is just a minor setback. At least he hopes so; he's tired of being home bound and wants to start running and fishing again.

4- My house may be dirty, but its still a roof over my head. Those walls are filled not only with more than enough material things, but also with love.

5- Each day I am continually amazed as I continue to fall in love with Jesus more and more. Only to realize He loves me unconditionally.

You can find more of this weeks #MicroblogMondays posts HERE.

#MicroblogMonday: Panda Cupcakes

Valex turned 5 yesterday. We're having the family party next week, but Vanessa asked me to help make cupcakes for him to take to daycare. 

He had asked for panda cupcakes. She also told me that he wanted a hero cake for his birthday. Before I added supplies, I decided to check one more time. When she asked him if he wanted a hero style cake, he became concerned because he really wanted "bear cupcakes." But when she told him he still got those also, he cheered right back up.

I feel so blessed to be the aunt of these cute boys. I was able to take a break at work and deliver the cupcakes. I was having a really bad day, but when I saw them, my heart swelled with love and I was able to smile for a moment.

We frosted the cupcakes in white frosting and then dipped them in sanding sugar. It gave them a really cute texture, but I felt bad for the mess it left on the tables. We used chocolate chips for the ears and the nose. On some cupcakes, we sued candy eyes and then outlined them in black gel frosting. But we also made some eyes with chocolate chips, a dab of white frosting and a black pearl sprinkle. 

I love these boys so much!!

You can find more of this weeks #MicroblogMondays posts HERE.

#MicroblogMonday: A Good Teacher

When I was in 7th grade, my math teacher gave us a test the first week of school. At the end of the week, he kept me after class and told me I needed to change out of his class and enroll into Pre-Algebra. I was too smart for his class.

True to young teenager character, I put it off until it was too late and the school wouldn't allow me to change classes anymore. Again, my teacher kept me after class and told me I was too smart for his class and he didn't want to hold me back. So we came to an agreement. I would work through the book at my own pace. The goal was to finish it early and then he would get me a copy of the next level so I could start on it.

I think that was my favorite class ever. I loved sitting in the corner and just doing my own thing. After that, I always excelled at math.

Until this spring when I went back to school. That math class kicked my butt. I mumbled several cuss words towards my teacher and cried many tears over my homework and test. But I kept telling myself I was still smart, it wasn't just me.

I decided to take one college class over the summer semester, Math 1050. The difference has been night vs. day. This class is all online. I just have to complete all of my homework and complete 4 test by August 14th. When the class started, I was still drained, so I waited another week before I even started. When I did start, I sat down and mapped out a schedule. Take this test by this date, this test by this date, etc.

Maybe its because the first chapter is basically a review of the entire last class, but I have done so much better this time. But I also think its because this professor is so much better! The last professor was one of those "figure it out, I already told you how to do it once; I don't have time to actually TEACH you." This professor has been the complete opposite. There were concepts in the last class I could never figure out. I've watched a few of his online lectures and it all makes sense now.

I believe that hard work is worth a lot. But so is a good teacher.

You can find more of this weeks #MicroblogMondays posts HERE.

#MicroblogMonday: Unfinished Projects

This weekend, I decided to finish up some craft projects that have been laying around for...years.

I'm pretty sure I made the bookmarks over 5 years ago. All I needed to do was add ribbon.

I actually forgot about these notepads. I'm getting ready to make them with the young girls of my church group. I was gathering supplies to see what I had and what I needed to order when I found these. Again, all they needed was ribbon.

It felt nice to finish up these long forgotten projects. I also made a few cards and crocheted along the edges of a baby blanket (another unfinished project). It's nice that school isn't so busy this semester so I can find time to create.

You can find more of this weeks #MicroblogMondays posts HERE.

#MicroblogMonday: Sage and the lighting storm

Last week, we had a huge hail storm pass through during the night. We didn't hear any thunder, but our room let up several times from lighting. Sage is terrified of thunder and lighting. When the hail storm started, she started pacing the room and nudging her nose up on the bed to get our attention. We'd tell her to lie down, which she would, but only for a second.

Josh says the rule should be no pets on the bed. Sage obeys this rule, but the cats don't. But when the first bolt of lighting lit up our room, Sage jumped on the bed and landed, curled up, right next to me. I pushed her back on the floor, but she jumped up again when the next bolt lit up the room.

She jumped in bed with us three times. The last time, I considered letting her stay there. But it looked like Zipper was about to recover from the dog getting in bed and it looked like he was about to strike. Zipper is convinced he's bigger than the dog and will put her in her place when he feels its necessary. But when she catches him off guard, it always takes him a minute to take in the situation. But once he does, he always strikes. I didn't want a cat/dog fight in our bed, so I pushed her off the bed again, but then laid with her on the floor for a few minutes until she settled down.

The next morning, I wanted to recreate the moment and take a picture, but she refused to jump up. I guess she's only willing to break the rule when she is scared.

You can find more of this weeks #MicroblogMondays posts HERE.

#MicroblogMonday: Card Shopping

Josh says one of the funniest places is the card aisle right before a major "woman" holiday, aka Valentines's Day and Mother's Day. Just a bunch of men, who look completely lost and have no idea how to pick a card. (He's been buying me cards for years, so he's pretty good at it.)

He said this year was the funniest so far. There were several men there, but one man kept mumbling to himself, "she's not MY mother, I don't understand why I have to get her a card." "I got MY mom a card, I don't know why she thinks she needs one also." "Let the KIDS get her a card." "She's not MY mother," was the phrase Josh heard several times. I'm sure the guy was getting a wife for his card.

I think that's why I love getting a card from Josh. Its never expected, but instead, usually a surprise. I love that he has to take time out of his day to go to the store and find the perfect card for me. I feel so blessed to have him in my life.

You can find more of this weeks #MicroblogMondays posts HERE.

#MicroblogMonday

*Its been a super busy day today. So today's #MicroblogMonday post is in bullet form.

*Josh let me pick out my Savannah's Day present on Saturday. I can't wait to get it next Sunday.

*My official grade isn't posted yet, but I'm pretty sure I got a B in my math class. I'm so excited that I not only passed, but that my grade was higher than a C!

*I've been super stressed over the HOA (Home Owner's Association). Last year, I was told the sprinkler system timer didn't work and it was never looked at because they didn't want to pay any money to fix it. Turns out Allred's Landscaping will do a free consult. To top it off, when he came, he found that it had been programed to never water. All he had to do was reset the timer.

*I no longer cuss lawyers. I had to hire one for the HOA to get some account brought current. I am still shocked at the results. Amazing.

*Summer semester starts next week, so I only get one week off. I'm going to take at least one class, but still haven't decided if I'll take two classes. Guess its time to decide.

*I played the piano for the first time in 6 years yesterday. I felt like I did horrible, but everyone said I did well. I think they are all good liars, but I'll take it. When I asked who sold me out as a piano player, I was told it was several people. I should have known I'd never be able to hide.

#MicroblogMondays: School Thoughts

Last week, I filled out an online survey for the college. Several of the questions focused on the high school years. "What inspired your during those years to pursue a higher education?" "What do you feel could have been different to help inspire you to pursue a higher education?" There was 3 or 4 questions, all very similar to that.

When this semester first started, I felt more prepared this time around. I understood the importance of all of it. I realized that I can not just put homework off until the last minute and fly through on the seat of my pants. So my response to the survey questions was "Nothing inspired me and nothing they could have done would have. Being an adult has been biggest factor."

The first time I was in college, I was also a young newly wed. I was ready to take the world by storm. Over the years, I have seen high times and low times. Nothing has prepared me for college like being an adult has. I'm more responsible now. I'm better at managing my time. I can better understand when I need to turn down something fun, so I can finish an assignment. I'm more established with my finances.

I'm not saying a young person should live a few years between high school and college. If you are able, go to college as soon as possible. Because of all the course I took many, many years ago, I nearly have my Associate's degree. I am hopeful that I'll be able to start the Accounting program this fall. 

But when it comes to life, there is no better experience than, well, life.

Since we're on the subject of school, I have to brag for a minute. I was able to wrap up my Economics class a few weeks early. My official grade isn't posted yet, but I'm confidant it will be an A (or A- at the worst). That's pretty good, considering all I hoped for was a C. I'm pretty proud of myself, but I think the best thing was listening to my husband talk to his grandpa and hearing him brag about me. (He didn't know I was listening.)

I still have two weeks left in my math class. Unfortunately, at this point, a C is what I'm hoping for. I think its party because I was so worried about my Econ class that I focused most of my energy there. But also, a person can FORGET a lot of math over the years. Seriously, I've never needed these skills over that last 13 years, and I don't foresee ever needing them again.

But despite that, I still have hopeful have good news on the math front. I thought I would have to retake a class this summer. Not because of a bad grade, but because it would line me up for the Accounting program this fall. One adviser counseled me to retake the Accuplacer test again and see if I can score well enough to skip ahead. But then, on Friday, I ran into another adviser and she suggested I take the ACT math test instead. She said it was less intense and I could get by with a lower score if I go through that route.

I agreed to try that and asked when the next test was. "Oh, in about 2 hours." Its a test they only offer once a month, so by next month it would be too late. (I need to sign up for summer semester in the next 3 weeks.) So I decided that maybe God had put her in my path for a reason and I agreed to take it. I did a Google search for ACT test preparation and studied off of it until the test. I know I didn't do perfect, but hopefully I did well enough to skip to a higher level.

You can find more of this weeks #MicroblogMondays posts HERE.

#MicroblogMondays: My Amazon Addiction

Hi, my name is Savannah and I have an impulse buying addiction.

Over the holidays, I was on Amazon almost daily. I kept telling myself, after Christmas, I would get my spending under control. But then January was my birthday. February was our anniversary. March was Easter shopping, since Easter was in early April. Each month, I would find an excuse to spend money on something I really didn't need.

First off, let me clarify, we have ONE credit card, and it is for emergency use only. So I was financing this addiction right out of my wallet. But because of that, no money was going into our savings. And some months, I would pull money out to help cover my costs. Each paycheck, I would be responsible and pay our bills. But then my next stop was Amazon.

I was stuck in a vicious cycle. I didn't like it, but I like new stuff, so I felt like it was justified.

Then a few weeks ago, I decided to add up my purchases on Amazon. I added up just the Christmas season by itself. Then I added from January until the most recent purchase. I'm not going to post the numbers, but over just the Christmas season, it was nearly a full paycheck. The 2nd amount was nearly as large. I'm not going to lie, I was pretty disgusted with myself.

Last semester, I was able to pay for my tuition, all out of pocket (with some help from a scholarship). I was so proud of myself. I really want to pay for school all on my own and not have to take out any student loans. But because of my spending habit, my savings is not where I need it to be to pay for any classes I plan to take this summer.

A few weeks ago, I told myself, no more Amazon. Its been harder than I thought it would be. I think of some little thing I want, and I want to hop on over and buy it for myself. Is it something I need? No, its just a passing want. (Although, I am finding it hard to buy a few essentials, like my favorite eye makeup remover and a some supplements we take. )

We've each only had one paycheck since I went on my Amazon fast, so its hard to say if I can see a difference in our bank account yet. I've promised myself I will go at least a month with no Amazon. By that point, I'll have nephews birthday's coming up, so I might have to set a limit and buy just that.

I've also decided to set a goal to help me. I want several new pieces of furniture. My goal is to save up enough to buy a new bedroom set. Once I get my tuition savings built back up, I hope to be able to do that.

I did get on Amazon last night. I recently bought an iPad (another impulse purchase) and decided to download the Kindle app to it so I could transfer my books over. But when I went to open the app on my iPad, I couldn't remember my Amazon password. I'm sure I just forgot which letter was supposed to be capitalized, but I couldn't remember. So I got on Amazon long enough to request a new password. But I didn't look at anything else. Once the password was reset, I logged out.

Amazon has made life easier because of my limited options of living in a small town. But it also fed my monster of instant gratification. (Amazon Prime, it'll be here in two days!) When grandpa passed away, I had plenty of dresses, but I wanted a new one. The problem was, I bought two.

Not only will I miss Amazon, but I will miss the sound of the UPS unit as they drop off my packages. I have joked many times that is is my favorite sound. I did get one last high this weekend. A few weeks ago, I ordered a package for Easter. But it got lost in shipping. It finally showed up the other day. But it was purchased before my official Amazon fast.

You can find more of this weeks #MicroblogMondays posts HERE.

#MicroblogMondays: Random Thoughts

Today's Random Thoughts for #MicroblogMonday

* I have a math test tomorrow. Sometimes I feel like I will do well. Other times, I break down crying that I am not going to pass this class.

* I promised someone at church I would come up with a project for their girl's activity. I want to make notebooks with my Cinch machine. I forgot how much work it is just to prep for this project. I'm spending my breaks at work cutting out paper. But I'm excited to be more involved with my congregation. They feel like family.

* You know its bad when you even start dreaming about math in your dreams every night.

* Yesterday, we made stuffed Brussels sprouts using THIS recipe. They were DELISH!

* I filled out evaluations for my classes today. I gave my Econ professor a glowing review. I did not do the same for my math professor.

* I can't wait to go camping.

* If I ever had to torture someone, I would make them solve math problems.

* In case you didn't notice, math seems to rule my thoughts right now. I'm so ready for this class to be over.

* I don't want to end this post on the subject of math, so here is a picture of Zipper. He was so excited to find a box, he wouldn't let me finish taking the stuff out of it before he claimed it as his. 

You can find more of this weeks #MicroblogMondays posts HERE.

#MicroblogMondays: Cupcakes

My latest obsession has been baking cupcakes. (Or if you ask Josh, I'm just trying to make him fat.) 

So far, I have made:

Oreo Cupcakes:

Neapolitan Cupcakes

Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes:

Chocolate Chip Mint Cupcakes:

I probably have another 50 recipes I want to try. The problem is, each time I get on Pinterest, I add several more. I have loved each of them, but I think the Oreo one has been my favorite, so far. To see the recipe, just click on the name of the cupcake and it will take you to the correct link. 

You can find more of this weeks #MicroblogMondays posts HERE.

#MicroblogMondays: Balance

In January, I went back to school. I knew it would be hard, but I had no idea. Not only am I taking  two (intense) classes; I am still working full time, going to Bible study, and serving on my HOA board. On top of all of that, I am still trying to be the perfect wife.

For the first several weeks, I would try a new schedule, hoping to find a way I could juggle all my plates at once, without dropping any. I've decided it just isn't possible. Every time I think I find something that works, something comes up and I have to rearrange my schedule.

Josh has been a gem through all of this. There are weeks when I'm not home at all. I leave work and go straight to the college. I arrive home, just in time for bed. Some nights he cooks me dinner, but if I know I'm going to be late, I tell him to just worry about himself and I'll find something. Each week, I just look forward to the weekend, so I can see my husband, hoping that I won't have homework that needs my attention first.

This is one of those weeks. I have a test tonight. Class on Tuesday. Scrapbook group and Bible study on Wednesday. Class again on Thursday. (But I'll probably skip out early so I can get ready for the weekend.) This weekend is the annual scrapbook retreat I go to each year. So with that, it really will be a full, crazy week.

Because of that, Josh and I had a nice date this past weekend. Next weekend I'll go to my retreat and he plans to go fishing every day.

I just remind myself that it will all be worth it in the end. Someday this craziness will end and life will be more calm.

You can find more of this week's #MicroblogMondays posts here.